PROVIDENCE, R.I. -- The University of Cincinnati women's soccer team has been chosen to finish seventh in the BIG EAST's National Division, as voted by the league's coaches.

UC, which finished the 2006 season with a 7-9-2 overall record and a 3-7-1 mark in BIG EAST play, returns 17 letterwinners and eight starters with the goal of reaching the BIG EAST Tournament for the first time since joining the league in 2005.

Defending BIG EAST champion and national runner-up Notre Dame is tabbed to win the National Division, while West Virginia was chosen to capture the American Division crown.

The Bearcats open their exhibition season on Tuesday, Aug. 21, at Eastern Kentucky. The home opener is set for Friday, Aug. 31, against crosstown rival Xavier. Kickoff at Gettler Stadium is set for 7 p.m. with a special tribute being held for former Bearcat Vanessa Antrobus Quinn, a victim of the Trolley Square Shopping Mall Shootings in February.

Season tickets are available now by calling 1-877-CATS-TIX or logging on to CATSTIX.com.